Rob Liefeld and the art of burning bridges.

In a flurry of twitter updates on Wednesday; DC artist and writer Rob Liefeld announced his one-sided departure from DC comics due to a conflict of interest. When the New 52 debuted Liefeld was the artist on Hawk and Dove, a series which was quickly canceled after only eight issues. In a surprise move by DC, Liefeld was later handed three titles: The Savage Hawkman, Grifter, and Deathstroke! Although fans were split on his work things looked good for Liefeld, for the time. When Grant Morrison announced he would be leaving Action Comics, however, Liefeld began dropping hits and his eventual departure. “Officially got of the DC52 treadmill this morning,” was the initial tweet that started it all. At first Liefeld spoke with respect

Yes, the human body can totally bend that way…

to DC, but as time went by his tweets became increasingly hostile even going so far as to openly insult DC Editorial staff Brian Smith. “Next time a little DC editor wants to show me how big his little pecker is—oh, right that’s over for good. And that little pecker belongs to @yourpalSmitty let’s give him a round of applause. He’s a big dick now!!”Fellow writer Gail Simone defended Brian Smith with her own tweet, “I’ve said it a hundred times, but @yourpalsmitty is one of the best editors I have ever worked with, anywhere, period.”

Morrison and Liefeld aren’t the only writer to depart from DC due to conflict of interest. Former superman writer and artist George Perez departed after only six issues. Liefeld is, however, the only one to be so openly hostile to DC. Of course, Liefeld’s attack didn’t stop at just DC. It wasn’t long before he had stories to share about his experience with Marvel.

“Let me share a great unknown story from the 1996 Heroes Reborn era. As part of our deal we received “completion bonuses” for completed issue

Marvel President called the day after Christmas on 1996 to say they were entering bankruptcy but would honor our contracts. I was concerned

Our next issue was due and we were talking exit strategy because they wanted to slash our budgets. I flew an Extreme freelancer 2 NYC w/disc

That freelancer was to receive a cashiers check for the issue, it was 50k or more if memory serves. The freelancer was to leave and call us.

Once we had confirmation that the check was in hand, the freelancer handed over the disc with the 6th issue of Cap. He then flew home

We opted to not go with the reduced budgets on Heroes Reborn and that was the last of it. My favorite part of the story was…

That the freelancer we sent used the time during the shakedown to show his portfolio to the Marvel editors. Love that!

If her forearm is thicker then her waist you’re doing something wrong.

It would seem attacking these two companies just wouldn’t be enough. On August 23rd, Liefeld took notice of a discussion on Newsarama’s facebook page and tweeted, “Holee crap! Over on Facebook the most hideous group of hicks and losers is trash talkin‘ me at newsarama—scary” It wasn’t long before Liefeld himself dropped in on the conversation, “Wow-whatta bunch of jealous ugly people. Oh no-200 people on newsarama don’t like me—what am I to do?? Thanks Jason. Carry on.” Facebook user, Eric Stroughter said in regard to Liefeld, “The man is a cancerous sore in comics and must be removed. His creations with the exception of dead pool and cable are simply ripoffs of marvel and dc characters anyway”. Once again Liefeld showed true class by responding to Eric directly, “Eric Stroughter – I’m a cancer? Have you looked in a mirror bud. Ouch.”

Although his reasons for departing DC were understandable, his blatant disrespect towards others will not win him any more fans. No more then 62 hours after his announcement Liefeld has managed to insult both major comic companies, as well as personally attack random comic fans for expressing their dislike of his work. “I don’t crap on my employer while in their employ. Then, if they crap on me on my out…well. Get what you give.” Note, DC has remained silent throughout his entire twitter rant. If there is one thing we do not like at International House of Geek, it’s a bully. Is it harsh to openly dislike someones art? Yes. However, there is no excuse for rebuttals like: “Glanz, lay off the donuts chubs. Set a good example for the kids”. Just because someone expressed a distaste for your work. Liefeld may have started out as a potential hero, someone who broke away from a poor editorial staff that dominated the artistic process. However, he has turned himself into nothing more than a raving jack ass, or the Charlie Sheen of comics. Way to go Liefeld, hope you’re proud.